Southampton put an end to the play off dream...

Play-Offs Over
By Rogero
April 2 2006

Cardiff City's play-off hopes finally crumbled at the St.Mary's on Saturday. Goals from Cameron Jerome and Darren Purse were not enough for the Bluebirds, with a 3-2 defeat against George Burley's Saints distancing the Bluebirds some eight points from the top six.

A superb brace from Southampton's Ricardo Fuller ended Cardiff's play-off hopes in front of 22,388 at the St. Mary's Stadium.

Some 2,500 Bluebirds travelled south hoping to see Dave Jones' men keep their top six ambitions alive. However, despite goals from Cameron Jerome and Darren Purse, City were narrowly beaten 3-2 with Claus Lundekvam opening the scoring on 47 minutes.

Jerome restored parity, only for Fuller to net twice and hand the hosts the points. Purse headed home in injury time to give City a glimmer of hope, but it proved to be only consolation as Jason Koumas missed a free-kick in the dieing seconds.

Major disappointment - but perhaps we have all been expecting this for some time. With Preston now eight points clear of the Bluebirds and Wolves, the rebuilding process can now begin for next season. Next up is champions Reading.

Full Time - Southampton 3-2 CCFC

"I do not think we did ourselves justice, we should have been better, and one or two of us just did not step up to the challenge." said Bluebirds boss Jones.